The Cebu Provincial Capitol ushered in the holiday season with a symbolic lighting of its Christmas tree on Monday, December 1, 2025, but Governor Pam Baricuatro announced a subdued celebration to stand in solidarity with communities recovering from recent calamities.
A Season of Reflection Over Festivity
In a decisive move, Governor Baricuatro canceled the provincial government's annual grand Christmas party during the tree-lighting ceremony. She explained that the province's resources must be directed toward essential services and ongoing recovery efforts following the recent earthquake and typhoon that impacted many Cebuanos.
"This Christmas is not about extravagance; it's about reflection, about choosing to be better and not bitter, kinder and not angrier, more united not divided," Baricuatro stated, setting the tone for a more contemplative holiday period.
Modest Gatherings Allowed for Employees
While the large-scale Capitol party is canceled, the governor acknowledged the hard work of provincial employees. Public Information Officer Ainjeliz dela Torre Orong, in an interview on Tuesday, December 2, clarified that individual departments may still hold simple and modest gatherings.
"As the governor mentioned, employees also deserve it," Orong said, translating the governor's earlier announcement. This approach allows for low-key fellowship among staff while respecting the need for fiscal prudence and sensitivity to the plight of affected residents.
A Message of Solidarity and Hope
The lighting of the Capitol Christmas tree, captured in a photo by intern Seth Odyssey A. Illusorio from Don Carlos A. Gothong Memorial National High School, remains a beacon of hope. However, the adjusted celebrations underscore the provincial government's priority: supporting disaster recovery.
By forgoing the traditional extravagance, the Cebu Provincial Government aims to model a "meaningful Christmas" focused on community, resilience, and shared responsibility during challenging times.
